RACHEL JAPA
Summary
Passionate elementary school teacher with 11 years of experience in developing and implementing engaging curriculum across various subjects. Skilled in creating inclusive learning environments that encourage student participation and foster academic growth. Successfully enhanced student performance through innovative teaching methods and individualized support. Committed to continuous professional development and collaboration with colleagues to improve school-wide educational standards.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
4th + 5th Grade Bilingual Math + Science Teacher
Nicholas S LaCorte School 3
Elizabeth
09.2024 - Current
- Designed engaging lesson plans for various math and science topics.
- Facilitated hands-on learning to enhance student understanding in math and science.
- Assessed student performance through tests and assignments regularly.
- Managed classroom behavior to create a positive learning environment.
- Communicated effectively with parents about student progress and concerns.
- Created a classroom environment that encourages curiosity and critical thinking.
- Provided individualized instruction to help struggling students understand complex topics.
Advanced Bilingual 5th Grade Teacher
Abraham Lincoln School 14
Elizabeth
09.2017 - 06.2022
- Created and implemented lesson plans according to district curriculum and state standards.
- Collaborated with colleagues and attended professional development to stay up to date with best practices on an ongoing basis.
- Conducted formal and informal assessments to guide future instruction and lessons.
- Individualized plans for a classroom of 30+ students.
- Created a positive learning environment with meaningful interactions with students, parents, and colleagues.
Middle School Math Teacher - 7th Grade
William C. McGinnis Middle School
Perth Amboy
03.2017 - 08.2017
- Created lesson plans following the school's curriculum and state standards.
- Taught 7th grade mathematics to 3 classes of 30+ students.
- Individualized lessons to suit students' individual needs.
- Communicated with parents and coworkers to assist students in their learning.
- Attended professional development to stay up to date with best practices.
- Assisted in creating Family Fun Night events to help engage parent involvement.
Lead Teacher
Acelero Learning Head Start
Perth Amboy
09.2013 - 03.2017
- Observed and assessed student performance, keeping thorough records of their progress (via Teaching Strategies).
- Implemented a variety of teaching methods in whole groups, small groups, and working independently with students.
- Scheduled and held parent-teacher conferences and home visits to keep parents up-to-date on children's academic performance.
- Collaborated with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning and student engagement.
- Developed positive relationships with my students.
- Attended professional development to stay up to date with best practices.
- Created and organized school events to engage parent involvement.
Assistant Teacher
Acelero Learning Head Start
New Brunswick
02.2013 - 08.2013
- Worked collaboratively with the lead teacher to create and implement lessons.
- Worked with students one-to-one, in small groups, and with the whole class to implement lessons and activities.
- Posted observations of students via web page (Teaching Strategies).
- Conducted home visits and in-school conferences with parents in English and Spanish.
- Attended professional development to stay up to date with best practices.
- Assisted in organizing school events to engage parent involvement.
Teacher Assistant
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
New Brunswick
09.2012 - 05.2013
- Graded homework for Math 104: Introduction to Probability.
- Recorded students' grades on an online Course management software (Sakai).
- Provided the professors and students with feedback on the student's performance.
Education
Master of Education -
Rutgers, The Graduate School of Education
05-2013
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
05-2012
Skills
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Student assessment
- Bilingual instruction
- Curriculum development
- Educational technology
- Parent communication
- Student engagement
Certification
- Early Childhood P-3 Teacher
- Elementary Teacher K-6
- Mathematics Specialization Grade 5-8
- Teacher of Bilingual/Bicultural Education
- Teacher of English as a Second Language
Languages
- English, Native Speaker
- Spanish, Native Speaker
Timeline
4th + 5th Grade Bilingual Math + Science Teacher
Nicholas S LaCorte School 3
09.2024 - Current
Advanced Bilingual 5th Grade Teacher
Abraham Lincoln School 14
09.2017 - 06.2022
Middle School Math Teacher - 7th Grade
William C. McGinnis Middle School
03.2017 - 08.2017
Lead Teacher
Acelero Learning Head Start
09.2013 - 03.2017
Assistant Teacher
Acelero Learning Head Start
02.2013 - 08.2013
Teacher Assistant
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
09.2012 - 05.2013
Master of Education -
Rutgers, The Graduate School of Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey